Anne Sexton, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, is widely recognized for her raw and honest exploration of the human experience. Her works often delve into topics such as mental illness, depression, love, motherhood, and death. Sexton’s poems are known for their confessional nature, where she opens her soul to the reader with unparalleled vulnerability. Through her candid revelations, Anne Sexton carved out a space in modern poetry that resonates deeply with many who have struggled with similar issues.
This article highlights 10 of the best poems written by Anne Sexton, showcasing her mastery of language, emotional depth, and fearless approach to the darker aspects of life.
10 Most Powerful and Provocative Poems by Anne Sexton
1. “Her Kind”
Published in 1960, Her Kind is one of Sexton’s most iconic poems, featuring a speaker who reflects on her identity and role in society. In the poem, Sexton describes herself as an outcast, someone who doesn’t fit the conventional mold of womanhood. The speaker identifies with witches, madwomen, and other societal misfits, painting a portrait of a woman who exists on the fringes of social norms.
The poem is filled with striking imagery, using the symbol of a witch as a metaphor for rebellion and nonconformity. The line “I have gone out, a possessed witch” highlights the speaker’s desire to break free from societal constraints, and the theme of women reclaiming power is evident throughout.
Her Kind is an excellent example of Sexton’s ability to blend personal identity with larger societal themes, making it a powerful feminist poem that still speaks to contemporary struggles for women’s autonomy.
2. “The Abortion”
In The Abortion, Sexton turns her attention to the deeply personal and painful subject of abortion. The poem explores the complex emotions surrounding the decision to end a pregnancy, highlighting the physical and emotional toll it takes on the woman involved. The speaker in the poem expresses both the desire for the child and the sorrow of not being able to keep it, offering a candid portrayal of the conflicting emotions that can arise from such a difficult choice.
Sexton’s use of stark imagery, such as “the little dream that could not grow,” conveys the sense of loss and mourning. However, the poem also serves as a form of self-empowerment, as the speaker refuses to be defined solely by her decision, challenging societal judgments surrounding abortion.
This poem is widely regarded as one of Sexton’s most daring works, as it tackles a controversial subject with sensitivity, emotional depth, and personal honesty.
3. “For My Lover, Returning to His Wife”
In For My Lover, Returning to His Wife, Sexton writes a poignant and deeply emotional poem about love, betrayal, and the complexities of relationships. The poem is written in the first person, with the speaker confronting the situation where her lover returns to his wife, leaving her heartbroken.
Sexton’s exploration of love is often bittersweet and unflinchingly honest, and this poem is no exception. The speaker’s feelings of abandonment and longing are palpable, yet there is also a sense of self-awareness and even acceptance. The line “I am your lover, but you are her husband” reflects the painful realization of the limitations of the speaker’s role in the lover’s life.
Through this poem, Sexton shows her ability to capture the intricacies of human relationships and the painful nature of unrequited love. It also highlights her skill in using personal experience to speak to universal emotions, making it one of her best and most widely anthologized poems.
4. “The Starry Night”
Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting, The Starry Night is a masterpiece in itself. The poem grapples with themes of mental illness, isolation, and the struggle for meaning. Sexton describes the swirling sky and the beauty of the stars, but she also reflects on the dark undertones of the painting, which mirror her own inner turmoil.
The speaker in the poem is aware of the fragility of her own mind, as she contemplates the possibility of her own descent into madness. The poem ends with the haunting image of the speaker being “clasped by the moon,” an image that both suggests comfort and suffocating despair.
The Starry Night is a remarkable piece because it blends the visual and emotional worlds of the poet with the iconic artwork, providing readers with a profound meditation on mental illness and artistic expression. It is a poem that speaks to the relationship between art, suffering, and beauty.
5. “The Death of the Hired Man”
This poem explores the dynamics between two characters—a husband and wife—and their former hired hand, who has returned to the farm after a long absence. The hired man is ill, and the poem grapples with the themes of compassion, duty, and the question of whether to offer help when someone has been a part of one’s life in the past.
Sexton’s use of simple, straightforward language makes this poem feel intimate and personal, drawing readers into the emotional world of the speaker. It also raises the question of what it means to care for others—whether it is out of obligation or genuine affection—and the poem’s reflective tone invites readers to question their own relationships with those who come and go in their lives.
Through The Death of the Hired Man, Sexton explores how human connections are often messy and complicated, yet they are also filled with moments of tenderness and grace.
6. “The Truth the Dead Know”
In The Truth the Dead Know, Sexton explores the idea of death and mourning in a way that is both tender and defiant. The poem begins with a reference to the death of the speaker’s mother, and throughout, there is a deep sense of grief and loss. Yet, as the poem progresses, the speaker begins to reflect on the inevitability of death, embracing it as a natural part of life.
The language in the poem is rich with imagery, and the line “the dead are not the dead, they are just gone” speaks to the unspoken truth about death—that it is often a mystery, something we cannot fully understand. The poem’s quiet meditation on the finality of life resonates with readers, inviting them to consider the spiritual and existential truths about death and how we cope with its absence.
7. “Riding the Elevator”
In Riding the Elevator, Sexton explores the theme of isolation and the feeling of being trapped in one’s own mind. The poem describes a series of images of a person riding an elevator, gradually descending into a darker, more claustrophobic space. The speaker reflects on her emotions, experiencing a sense of helplessness and a lack of control over her own fate.
This poem captures the feeling of being stuck, both physically and emotionally, and is a powerful metaphor for depression and mental health struggles. Sexton’s ability to evoke a sense of unease through imagery, particularly in the description of the elevator ride, makes this poem one of her most chilling and effective works.
8. “Wanting to Die”
Sexton’s Wanting to Die is a brutally honest exploration of depression, despair, and the longing for release from pain. In this poem, the speaker reveals her intense desire for death, describing it as a “dream” and a “seductive idea.” Yet, the poem also captures the paradoxical nature of the speaker’s feelings, as she expresses both an overwhelming desire for death and an underlying fear of it.
The speaker’s raw vulnerability and self-awareness make this poem one of Sexton’s most poignant and haunting works. The lines “I want to die, but I don’t want to die” encapsulate the push and pull that those experiencing deep depression often feel. Through this poem, Sexton gives voice to the pain of those who suffer in silence, making it a powerful piece for anyone grappling with their own struggles.
9. “Little Girl, My String Bean, My Lovely Woman”
Little Girl, My String Bean, My Lovely Woman is an exploration of love, obsession, and the complicated emotions that arise in relationships. The speaker in the poem expresses her love for a woman—perhaps her daughter, but also a symbol of feminine beauty and grace. The poem is filled with affection, yet it also conveys a sense of possessiveness and yearning.
Sexton’s exploration of the theme of love in this poem is unique because it captures the simultaneous beauty and complexity of love. The speaker’s adoration of the “little girl” is palpable, but it is also tempered by a recognition of how love can become an overwhelming and consuming force.
10. “The Ballad of the Lonely Masturbator”
A dark and humorous poem, The Ballad of the Lonely Masturbator is a biting commentary on the loneliness and isolation that often accompany sexual desire. Through this poem, Sexton explores the shame and guilt that can arise from one’s sexual identity, addressing issues of self-acceptance and the disconnection between the body and mind.
This poem is one of Sexton’s most daring, and it resonates with those who have experienced similar feelings of isolation. Its frankness about sexuality makes it an important piece in the larger conversation about body image and sexual expression.
Conclusion
Anne Sexton’s poetry offers a window into the complexities of the human condition. From love and loss to mental illness and identity, her poems navigate a wide range of deeply personal and often taboo topics. Sexton’s confessional style, combined with her unflinching honesty and vivid imagery, makes her work not only captivating but also essential reading for those who seek to understand the nuances of human emotion.
The 10 poems discussed in this article represent just a small fraction of Sexton’s immense talent, but they provide a powerful glimpse into the world of a poet who was not afraid to confront the darkest corners of the human soul. Through her words, Anne Sexton continues to inspire and challenge readers, ensuring that her legacy remains strong for generations to come.
